antique jewelry

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Timepiece Things

In the antique jewelry business, we often have pieces that have outlived their relevance.  Their time has already come and gone…  watches are a perfect example of this.  The advancement of watches has gone through several phases – from a wind-up movement to a quartz movement to a smart watch.  Even more often, watches have been set aside for the ease and convenience of a cellular phone. 

Jewelry created during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods (1900 – 1930’s), was painstakingly crafted from white gold and platinum.  Artisans created elaborate patterns with lacey filigree set with dozens of tiny diamonds.  Wristwatches were no exception.  You can understand why it seems like a sin to send these intricate beauties to the refinery to be melted into a blog of nothingness.  Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened to many antique watches.

As you know, at Joden, we specialize in antique restoration.  More recently, we have been doing more recreating than restoring. 

Each of these lovely bracelets shown above used to be a watch.  We carefully removed the stem, crown, and movement and replaced it with a specially cut piece of onyx.  I love how we have retained the original cord-style bands.  It give each one an authentic feel and allows the bracelet to be custom fit to any wrist.  Check them out on our website – pricing starts at $1700.00.

I inherited a gold watch from my Great Aunt that has been rattling around in my jewelry box for at least five years.  These conversions have inspired me to get it out and have my own watch/bracelet made!  I’ll be sure to share a photo as soon as it’s done.  In the meantime, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and have “Joden Girl” delivered straight to your inbox!

Go to our site and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Shelly Isacco